How Kat de Luna Became a Rock Star

If you thought you needed a big shot behind you to live up your dreams and become famous, Kat de Luna's story will prove you wrong.

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Dominican-American pop singer Kat de Luna was only 19 when her debut album, 9 Lives, became an international sensation, breaking into the top 20 pop charts in countries she never dreamed she'd see in person, like Belgium and Poland. You may hear her story and think, she probably had somebody big behind her. Girls don't just make it like that on their own any more, right? Dead wrong. Born and raised mostly in the Bronx, Kat has put a lifetime of hard work and intense focus behind her unique sound, a blend of what she calls "opera-pop-Latin dance". After years of putting out one hit after the other, Kat is indeed a bonafide global pop star, with a powerful vocal range and strong promotional hustle that keeps her songs hitting new playlists in over five countries per week. How did she do it? She didn't have a sugar daddy, a micro momager, or some dude who found her singing in a bar. Kat de Luna discovered herself, and she wants you do to do the same thing.

What were some of your turning points?

As a little girl, I would sing and dance while my mom sold Dominican cakes in a local park. I got used to performing from a young age, that's why it was easy for me to enter Coca-Cola and other local competitions and when I got to be a teenager. Every week I would enter something different. When I got the chance to start opening for performers like Tito Trinidad, doors started to open for me.

Who influenced you growing up?

Music was my therapy, growing up, I listened to everything from Destiny's Child and Aliyah to my grandmother and mother's Latin songs. I was a sad kid, so music was my therapy. At home I would perform everything from Gloria Trevi and Fulmana Beltrán. As a teenager and growing up, I also loved freestyle music and tracks by Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam.

What do you think made you different than other artists?

I worked so hard to create own sound. It's a blend of a lot of influences, and I think that's what people appreciated about it.

What are some of the hardest challenges you've faced?

I've been pressured to like more traditional hip hop or to sound like what's already out there. I had to develop a thick skin and stand up for my own style.

What does an aspiring artist need to take their work to the next level?

To make a professional demo you need a few things but mainly a good music production, a writer (if not yourself), and to be creative to come up with a cool sound! I write and help produce my own music and sound. I learned that I had to be involved in order to make a difference and stand out. Don't rush things and then end up working with people that do not understand your brand. Technology is so advanced that many people have taught themselves to produce beats on protools, Logics and on many other available music producing programs out there! My best advice would be to not only do a few songs. Try to finish an album or a full descriptive presentation of what it is that you want to do. Also, don't forget to practice! I practice over a 100 hours per week. In the mornings, I'll do a two-hour low to high warm up, using songs from powerful singers like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. That's what gets you noticed.

What can we expect next from you?

My new album, "Viva Out Loud," is coming out early next year. You'll really be able to hear a Caribbean influence this time around! I was inspired by artists like Celia Cruz, Juan Luis Guerra, Tito Rojas, and La India.

And, for all you aspiring artists, here's a piece of advice from Kat's manager, Tyrone Edmond:

"When you're reaching out for representation, a youtube link singing your favorite cover songs that shows your vocal ability helps, and a few links of local live shows would be great as well. A demo is a plus!"

Check back in with CFL over the next few months: We'll be giving you a sneak peek at Kat's early tracks like "Standing on My Own," "Surrender," and "Bon Appetit"!!!